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{
    "id": 256089,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/256089/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 157,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
    "speaker_title": "The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 166,
        "legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
        "slug": "martha-karua"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is quite clear, therefore, from the contributions that have been made that the formula for representation of parties in this Committee has not changed since 2003. The only thing that has changed is the dynamics within the ruling party, NARC. The other factor is that FORD(P) crossed over with their strength, the same way NDP crossed over to KANU with their strength, leaving a very weak Opposition because, at that time, the Opposition was not as robust as it is now, in terms of numbers. Therefore, this House, has the tradition that a party moves with its strength when it does so through structured negotiations to the Government side. The NDP crossed over as a result of structured negotiations and so has FORD(P). Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to admit that there may be a case for Members to dialogue and see how much they can accommodate one another. But that is within the parties, not a matter for the Chair. What is before this House is proper names given by the party Whips. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is true that Standing Order No.145 does not refer to parties, but there is a formula which the Chair ruled on way back in 1993, on how to arrive at those numbers. What is presenting itself is that it is now dawning on some Members that certain decisions have consequences. That is the case in life. When you take a decision, it can have either positive or negative impact. But because we are leaders, there are negotiations outside this House that can go on. But that should not stop the business of this House. Let us approve these names as properly presented by the parties."
}